U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Challenge Coins
Known also as Kings Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) offers a rigorous academic program to their students, known as midshipmen, with a baccalaureate degree program requiring more credit hours than any other Federal service academy. Midshipmen who successfully master the school’s academic programs and training leave their academy with some of the most sought-after credentials including a Bachelor of Sciences degree, a U.S. Coast Guard License, and an Officer’s commission into the U.S. Armed Forces.
The USMMA mission is to:
"To educate and graduate leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces."
Abiding by their academy motto “Acta Non Verba" - “deeds not words,” graduates from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) go on to become the brave officers and leaders commanding the U.S. Merchant Marines. While not an official branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Merchant Marines have often been called upon as the “fourth branch” of the U.S. Armed Forces during times of war and the academy awards challenge coins to their student body to represent their bonds and experiences. Challenge coins are commissioned and given to USMMA Midshipmen and academy alumni often upon graduation or as part of larger alumni programs. The coins are often emblazoned with symbols of the school including the academy’s official motto and seal. USMMA challenge coins represent a culmination of a student’s education and experience, their bonds with their fellow students, but most of all, a USMMA challenge coin marks them as future leaders and officers.
At Signature Coins, we are proud to offer our expert challenge coin production and design services to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we are a trusted brand in designing custom challenge coins for clients in the U.S Army, U.S Air Force, and U.S. Navy. Having worked in the industry for over a decade, we are ready to help our clients at every stage of the design process.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy History and Curriculum
Established in 1943, USMMA was created in response to the pressing need for maritime training in the U.S. Merchant Marines. A need which was greatly catalyzed upon U.S. entry into World War II. During the conflict enrollment greatly increased and programs cut from four years to 24 months to meet the emergency needs of the time for skilled shipboard training and leadership. Through the crucible of war, USMMA proved its ability to meet the needs of the nation and by the end of the war, over 6,500 officers had graduated from USMMA to enter the war effort with 142 giving their lives in service.
Today, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy continues to provide expert training and knowledge to its student body who take part in academic programs including:
- Marine Transportation Program - Academic program training midshipmen in complex logistics management and supply for a global transportation system.
- Marine Engineering Program - Program educating and training students in multiple fields including ship construction, operation, marketing, maintenance, repair, and survey.
- Marine Engineering Systems - The MES Program trains essential engineering skills for future engineering officers in a variety of maritime positions.
- Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management Program - Provides engineering training and development for roles in ship construction and repair, ship systems and marine equipment design, research, operations, marketing, maintenance, and survey.
- Maritime Logistics and Security - A program combining an academic understanding of nautical science with maritime business management.
USMMA challenge coins are commissioned for both alumni and current midshipmen of the school. However, some programs may also commission unique challenge coins specifically for their major and school. These types of challenge coins represent the membership in a specific curriculum and the unique challenges they face as officers in these roles.
Ready To Get Started?
Ready To Get Started?
Designing and Ordering Naval Postgraduate School Challenge Coins
USMMA challenge coins are used to recognize the academic achievement of students, alumni, and the professors. As a tradition long-rooted in the military, challenge coins often incorporate colors, symbols, images, and insignias of special significance to the commissioning organization. For example, it’s very common for USMMA challenge coins to feature the official seal of the school including the founding year of 1943 and the motto “Acta Non Verba."
Designing a challenge coin using Signature Coin’s services is a simple process beginning with filling in the requested information on our quote form. Within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your request, we take the information you provide and deliver a full-color art proof of a design. During the design process, our representatives work one on one with each client to review the specifications of their coin and analyze the significance of any symbols present in the design. We understand the simple importance of symbols like an open book to represent the education and learning goals of USMMA or the blue and grey color scheme of the school.
Production on a design does not begin until final approval is received from a client, and clients have every opportunity to send us feedback on the initial proof, which we take and revise into a new proof as often as needed and completely free of charge. After final approval, we begin production immediately and within 14 days have the final product shipped to clients for free in the continental U.S. via UPS Priority Air Shipping.
Call and Speak to a Specialist Today
Custom Challenge Coins For Any Occasion
Consider Signature Coins for your next order of challenge coins, our experienced staff of representatives and professional artists stand ready to help our clients through every step of the design process. With a team including military veterans, we understand the importance of challenge coins in military culture and work tirelessly to ensure complete satisfaction with every project. We honor all of our military clients and do our utmost to carry on one of our nation’s oldest traditions.
For over 15 years, we’ve crafted consistent high-quality challenge coins for members in each branch of the Armed Forces. Our goal is to become the market standard for quality assurance and customer satisfaction when it comes to custom coins. With fast service, fine detail, and consistent quality, you can rely on us to cover your needs.
We provide competitive services in every order like:
- Free full-color artwork
- Free unlimited revisions for designs
- Free UPS Air Priority shipping within the U.S.
- Delivery on final orders within 14 business days
- 100% quality guarantee
Thank you for choosing Signature Coins, and we look forward to working with you!